PORK CHECKOFF REPORT - Minnesota Pork Board · PQA Plus – Waseca PQA Plus – 9 a.m. ... • 24...

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Minnesota Pork Board 151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 810 Mankato, MN 56001 507.345.8814 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-profit US Postage PAID Owatonna, MN 55060 Permit #110 PORK CHECKOFF REPORT JUL AUG 17 Time Name 9:00 am Leah Ruen 9:15 am Katie Weckman 9:30 am Amelia Welter 9:45 am Anna Brekke 10:00 am Heather Jager 10:15 am Chelsea Collins 10:30 am Rachael Mielke 10:45 am Chelsey Swanson 11:00 am Lunch break until 1:00 pm 1:00 pm Analicia Swanson 1:15 pm Kenny Strobel 1:30 pm Madeline Patterson 1:45 pm Emily Ziemer 2:00 pm Kristine Fairchild 2:15 pm Jared Troendle 2:30 pm Sierra Williamson Individual Presentation Schedule Minnesota Pork is excited to welcome visitors to tent 614 at Farmfest. Minnesota Pork staff, ambassador candidates, and farmers will be on hand to share recipes, pork samples, and information about pig farming and help engage peers, legislators and others in the agricultural community in conversation. Whether you are looking to help children learn about pigs, the latest update about pork production practices or for a delicious pork recipe, the Minnesota Pork tent will have plenty of samples and information for attendees of all ages. e Minnesota Pork Ambassador candidates will also be presenting individual speeches on a wide variety of topics about pig farming. Join us at Farmfest for an opportunity to learn about cooking pork and pig farming. FARMFEST MEET 2017 PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES PAGES 3-6

Transcript of PORK CHECKOFF REPORT - Minnesota Pork Board · PQA Plus – Waseca PQA Plus – 9 a.m. ... • 24...

Minnesota Pork Board151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 810Mankato, MN 56001507.345.8814

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-profitUS Postage

PAIDOwatonna, MN

55060 Permit #110

PORK CHECKOFF REPORTJ U LA U G1 7

Time Name9:00 am Leah Ruen9:15 am Katie Weckman9:30 am Amelia Welter9:45 am Anna Brekke10:00 am Heather Jager10:15 am Chelsea Collins10:30 am Rachael Mielke10:45 am Chelsey Swanson11:00 am Lunch break until 1:00 pm 1:00 pm Analicia Swanson1:15 pm Kenny Strobel1:30 pm Madeline Patterson1:45 pm Emily Ziemer2:00 pm Kristine Fairchild2:15 pm Jared Troendle2:30 pm Sierra Williamson

Individual Presentation Schedule

Minnesota Pork is excited to welcome visitors to tent 614 at Farmfest. Minnesota Pork staff, ambassador candidates, and farmers will be on hand to share recipes, pork samples, and information about pig farming and help engage peers, legislators and others in the agricultural community in conversation. Whether you are looking to help children learn about pigs, the latest update about pork production practices or for a delicious pork recipe, the Minnesota Pork tent will have plenty of samples and information for attendees of all ages. The Minnesota Pork Ambassador candidates will also be presenting individual speeches on a wide variety of topics about pig farming. Join us at Farmfest for an opportunity to learn about cooking pork and pig farming.

FARMFEST MEET 2017 PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES PAGES 3-6

MN PORK CALENDAR

JULY 25 Oink Outing Andover Farmer’s Market Andover, MN

AUG 1 - 3 Farmfest 28269 Highway 67 Morgan, MN

AUG 5 Oink Outing Winona Farmers Market Winona, MN

AUG 6 Oink Outing Open Streets of Minneapolis – Northeast Minneapolis, MN

AUG 16 PQA Plus – Waseca PQA Plus – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. TQA 1 – 4 p.m. Southern Research and Outreach Center 35838 120th Street Waseca, MN Pre-register: [email protected] or 1-800-537-7675

AUG 30 PQA Plus – Morris PQA Plus – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. TQA 1 – 4 p.m. West Central Research and Outreach Center 46352 State Highway 329 Morris, MN Pre-register: [email protected] or 1-800-537-7675

AUG 18 Oink Outing Volkfest Victoria, MN

AUG 19 Oink Outing Mill City Farmers Market Minnapolis, MN

AUG 24 - SEPT 5 Minnesota State Fair 1265 Snelling Ave St Paul, MN

NOV 8 PQA Plus – Rochester PQA Plus – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. TQA 1 – 4 p.m. University Center Rochester Heintz Center 1926 College View Rd. SE Rochester, MN Pre-register: [email protected] or 1-800-537-7675

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Monday, July 31st 9:00 am Individual Interview Rounds

Tuesday, August 1st 9:00 am Presentations Begin (open to public) Location: Farmfest, Junction 67 & 13 (Tent 614) 28269 Highway 67 Morgan, MN 56266

1:00 pm Presentations Resume (open to public) Location: Farmfest, MN Pork Tent (614)

5:30 pm Bowling and Supper

Wednesday, August 2nd 9:00 am Staff Pork Tent

11:00 am Group Pictures

11:50 am – Pork Ambassador Awards Program 12:05 pm Location: Farmfest, Wick Forum Building

PORK AMBASSADOR COMPETITION SCHEDULE

MEET THE 2017 MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES

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SCOTT COUNTY AMBASSADOR

ANNA BREKKEAnna Brekke comes from a unique background on a suburban hobby farm. With that, she would like to use this experience to promote pork across the state. Over the past 12 years, Brekke has showed pigs which taught her the importance of hard work and dedication. If selected as a Minnesota Pork Ambassador, she will continue to embrace

the opportunities to educate herself in order to best teach others about the swine industry. At the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, she is currently pursuing a degree in sustainable systems management. Her education and background in the swine industry would help consumers gain a positive perception of the industry.

Parents: Barb and Jon Brekke

ISANTI- EAST CENTRAL AMBASSADOR

CHELSEA COLLINSChelsea Collins is pursuing a degree in accounting and finance at Anoka Ramsey Community College. Collins has over 10 years of experience with the swine industry and represents the East Central Pork Producers. As an ambassador, she wants to continue to grow and develop her leadership and communication skills while being accountable

for representing the pork industry. It is with this opportunity she hopes to be a role model in the pork industry at the regional, state and national level. Growing up, Collins has kept busy through showing pigs in 4-H, playing basketball, and being active in her church.

Parents: Ron and Jacque Collins

RENVILLE COUNTY AMBASSADOR

KRISTINE FAIRCHILD Kristine Fairchild of Renville, Minnesota, is currently a student at Ridgewater College pursuing a degree in agriculture business. With this degree, she would like to work with feed or livestock genetics. In high school, Fairchild was active in the National FFA Organization and 4-H while maintaining a job at a wean-to-finish pig farm.

Showing cattle and pigs was a big part of her life, as well. To enhance her knowledge in agriculture, Fairchild has attended conferences such as the Women in Ag. Conference in Willmar, Minn. This influenced her goals to become an advocate for agriculture, specifically the swine industry.

Parents: Tracy Elbert and Kevin Fairchild

PINE COUNTY AMBASSADOR

HEATHER JAGERHeather Jager hails from Askov, Minnesota. This fall, Jager will be attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls pursuing a degree in agriculture education. After college, she would like to become an agriculture teacher or a position within the United State Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector. Her involvement in agriculture was rooted at a young age when she purchased

her own flock of Southdown sheep. Through high school, Jager was actively involved in student council, sports, National Honor Society, and 4-H. This eventually led to purchases of goats, rabbits and pigs. If selected as a Minnesota Pork Ambassador, she is excited to be a positive spokesperson and represent the industry.

Parents: David and Cindy Durheim

MEET THE 2017 MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES

MARTIN COUNTY AMBASSADOR

RACHAEL MIELKERachael Mielke of Martin County has grown up showing pigs and has developed a passion for the industry. Through her years of 4-H and the National FFA Organization, Mielke has learned the importance of communication and public speaking skills while representing agriculture. The ambassador program would give her the opportunity to voice her opinions and ideas while

listening to new concepts within the swine industry. Mielke looks forward to informing consumers about swine industry practices, especially animal welfare. She plans to graduate from Winona State University in the spring of 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood education.

Parents: Chris and Patti Mielke

GOODHUE COUNTY AMBASSADOR

MADELINE PATTERSONThe swine industry is nothing new for Madeline Patterson. Growing up on 3,000 head finishing farm, Patterson of Kenyon, Minn. has been actively involved with her family’s farm. Alongside this, she and her sisters own a business called “Country Girls Show Pigs” and they sell show pigs to local families. Patterson plans to attend North Dakota State University this fall to major in agricultural

communications with a double minor in animal science and agribusiness. Throughout high school, Madeline has been actively involved in 4-H, The National FFA organization, cross country, general livestock judging, band, and choir. Her goal as a pork ambassador is to continue to promote and advocate for agriculture in order to build a strong and trusting relationship with those buying pork.

Parents: Mike and Rebekah Patterson

FILLMORE COUNTY AMBASSADOR

LEAH RUEN Leah Ruen of Lanesboro, Minnesota grew up on a finishing pig farm where she developed her love for the industry. This fall, Ruen will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where she plans to study agricultural applied economics. With this degree, Ruen would like to have a career in agricultural business to help both farmers and consumers. Her involvement in the National

FFA Organization, 4-H, National Honor Society, band, choir, and sports has helped developed her leadership and communication skills needed for her future career. If selected as a Minnesota Pork Ambassador, she looks forward to experiencing and gaining new knowledge in areas she would not have the opportunity to learn elsewhere.

Parents: Eric and Kristi Ruen

WASECA COUNTY AMBASSADOR

KENNY STROBEL The swine industry has been an important part of Kenny Strobel’s life. Not only does the Strobel family of Waseca County raise pigs, but they have been competitively showing pigs since he was only five years old. Alongside showing, in high school Strobel enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, golf, and football. Strobel is attending the University of Minnesota pursuing a degree in agriculture and

food and business management. With this degree, he hopes to find a job in agriculture business within the pork industry. At college, he is involved with Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity where he serves as vice president. As a potential state ambassador, he is excited to serve as a friendly and knowledgeable face of the industry which will allow him to explain and inform the community about the swine industry.

Parents: Greg and Robin Strobel

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MEET THE 2017 MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES

FARIBAULT COUNTY AMBASSADOR

ANALICIA SWANSONGrowing up on pig farm, Analicia Swanson learned at a young age the importance of the industry and has always had the drive to learn more. With that, she has always found research tremendously significant because it is a means to improve and

develop new technology and create new knowledge. Swanson is currently a student at Kansas State University studying animal science pre-veterinary/research.

Parents: Arnie and Marcia Swanson

ISANTI COUNTY AMBASSADOR

CHELSEY SWANSONChelsey Swanson has developed her knowledge of agriculture and the swine industry from her five years as a National FFA Organization member and 12 years as a 4-H member. Beyond her involvement with 4-H and FFA, Swanson has volunteered each summer at vacation bible school. Being a Minnesota Pork Ambassador would give Swanson the chance

to spread her knowledge about agriculture and all it has to offer. If selected for the opportunity, she hopes to decrease the negative perceptions about how animals are treated. This experience would help her gain skills she will need as an agriculture teacher in the future.

Parents: Andy and Mandy Swanson

FILLMORE COUNTY AMBASSADOR

JARED TROENDLE This fall, Jared Troendle will be a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in agricultural business. With this degree, he hopes to land a career in agriculture finance, such as agricultural lending. Troendle grew up on his family dairy farm of Lanesboro, Minnesota where he learned the importance of agriculture at a young age. Beside his involvement on the farm, he engaged in multiple

community and school activities such as National Honor Society, school play, student council, jazz band, and the National FFA Organization to gain experience as a leader. The Minnesota Pork Ambassador program would give Troendle the opportunity to educate consumers about farming practices and increase public knowledge of the swine industry.

Parents: Patrick and Christine Troendle

SCOTT COUNTY AMBASSADOR

KATIE WECKMAN Southwest Minnesota State University is where Katie Weckman of Hamburg, Minnesota is pursuing a degree in environmental sciences. With this education, she hopes to get a job working for a state or national parks service or a local zoo to educate the public. 4-H, the National FFA Organization, the national 4-H shooting sports and wildlife program, and the student activities committee are some of the

activities Weckman has been involved in. It is these experiences where she gained valuable skills such as leadership and public speaking that she will use as an ambassador. Growing up showing pigs has helped her develop knowledge about the specie and industry; she is excited to address the negative stereotypes that have developed over the years and spread the positive message of the pork industry.

Parents: Patrick and Sara Weckman

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MEET THE 2017 MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES

OLMSTED COUNTY AMBASSADOR

AMELIA WELTER Growing up on a family swine farm outside of Stewartville, Minnesota, pork has always been a huge part of Amelia Welter’s life. From showing pigs and engaging in consumer events, she has always enjoyed pork promotion. Welter is currently a student at Kansas State University where she studies food science. To keep busy, Welter is involved with 4-H, the National FFA Organization, Kansas State Food Science Club, Kansas State Meat Science

Club, Christian Challenge, Olmstead County Farm Bureau, Olmstead County Pork Producers, and Stewartville Legion Post 164. Her first-hand experience within these organizations has helped develop her public speaking skills which she intends to utilize as a state pork ambassador. With that, she is excited for the opportunity to expand her current knowledge of the pork industry.

Parents: Myrna and Randy Welter

MARTIN COUNTY AMBASSADOR

SIERRA WILLIAMSON Sierra Williamson will begin her college career at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities this fall where she plans to study agricultural and food business management. Williamson hopes her career will contribute to meeting future food demand and making sure food supplies are safe and nutritious will creating a safe farming environment. In high school, Williamson was involved in

her academics, extracurricular and community including: National Honor Society, student government, band, drama, softball, basketball, piano, dance, the National FFA Organization, and her church. Williamson believes the future of the pork industry will present great opportunities along with manageable challenges and she looks forward to establishing her future in agriculture.

Parents: Jamie and Deb Williamson

MARTIN COUNTY AMBASSADOR

EMILY ZIEMER With leadership experience in 4-H, the National FFA Organization, school and church, Emily Ziemer has a strong desire to lead the future of the pork industry. Although Ziemer grew up on a grain, goat and beef farm, she still has vast experience within the swine industry. She took on a multiple part-time jobs at confinement hog finishing sites

throughout high school and developed a love for the swine industry. Ziemer will be a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in agriculture education. After college, she wants to be a school teacher for a few years and then go on to enter the political stage as a senator or representative.

Parents: Don and Francie Ziemer

MEET THE 2017 MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES

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MEET THE 2017 MINNESOTA PORK AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES

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2016-2017AMBASSADORS

Ben Johnson (Redwood), Paige Hildebrandt (Waseca) and Blake Wolters (Pipestone), have represented Minnesota Pork as the 2016-2017 Minnesota Pork Ambassadors and will soon pass on their titles to newly elected individuals at the 2017 Minnesota Farmfest. Over the past year, they have engaged in different opportunities including industry tours in the fall and summer, leadership conferences such as Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference and Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C., and various state events such as Oink Outings. Most importantly, they were able to spread their knowledge of the swine industry to consumers while gaining leadership and professional skills. To stay in contact throughout the year, the team would have conference calls once a month with advisor, Jill Resler. These calls would give them each the opportunity to talk about upcoming events and goals throughout the year.

HERE’S A LITTLE INSIGHT FROM EACH AMBASSADOR.

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BEN JOHNSONJunior at Iowa State University

“The highlight of my term as a Pork Ambassador has been getting to know my fellow ambassadors and meeting so many great people involved in the pork industry throughout the year. Pork production is so much more complex than many of us think and seeing how all these people come together to help make it all happen was interesting and exciting.

My favorite event I attended this year has definitely been our Young Leaders in Ag Conference (YLAC) followed by our spring industry tour. There was so much knowledge and great experiences packed into that one week. The YLAC was a great opportunity for networking and meeting with industry professionals as well as getting on some great tours and hearing some awesome speakers. After YLAC, the ambassadors and interns got to visit many great organizations around southwest Minnesota. These organizations and people covered many of the different facets of the pork industry and really put together the

large picture of the pork industry here in Minnesota. I don’t think I have ever had so much fun as well as learned so much in such a short amount of time!

My experience this past year has been so profound in the opportunities and knowledge that I’ve gained, but it would not have been nearly as impactful without the people behind the ambassador program and my fellow ambassadors. MN Pork has provided us with such a great year and has really put together a stellar program. It has been awesome getting to know and becoming friends with my fellow ambassadors, Paige and Blake throughout this year. It would definitely not have been as much fun, and as inspiring of year without these two who share the same excitement for the pork industry as myself.

BLAKE WOLTERS Sophomore at South Dakota State University

“During this last year, the people I have been blessed to be able to work with would definitely be the highlight of my ambassador year. One of the opportunities we had as ambassadors was the industry tours with Pipestone, Schwartz Farms, Ag Star, Prime Pork, and Sen. Rod Hamilton. They all were outstanding and an overall great experience. My time as an ambassador has been wonderful. I was able to learn even more about the pork Industry in all aspects as well as be able to work and meet some of the greatest people in the Industry!”

PAIGE HILDEBRANDTJunior University of Minnesota

“My favorite event as an ambassador would be our trip to the Legislative Action Conference in Washington D.C.  I was extremely honored and excited to represent Minnesota pork producers on the hill and dive head first into how policy affects farmers back in Minnesota. United our voice is strong and I definitely felt that during the visit.

I am in awe of the dedication and commitment to innovation that the pork industry has. During the fall and spring tours, I was able to experience not only the different sectors of raising pork (sow farms to finishing barns), but I also was able to learn more about the other factors that go into my dad “simply” raising pigs. I am proud to represent an industry that is progressive and always trying to improve their practices.

I am thankful and appreciative of the opportunity to represent Minnesota pork producers. This experience has been more than I could have ever hoped for in terms of the people that I have met, the experiences that I have been exposed to, and the pure pride that I have for the industry. The farmers, human resource, and related people that I have met through the pork industry have all been kind hearted, driven, intelligent, and committed individuals and I am thankful for all that they do.”

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Sierra Williamson

Mitchel Widmer

Kenny Strobel

Daniel Hayes

2017 Minnesota Pork Board Scholarship Winners

The Minnesota Pork Board awarded five, $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing further education related to the pork industry. In order to be considered, applicants must be in college or attending college this fall, complete the scholarship application, provide two letters of recommendation, write an essay on a current or future pork industry challenge and their proposed solution, and submit a professional resume.

THIS YEAR’S SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE: DANIEL HAYES – Lafayette, Nicollet CountyDaniel Hayes will be starting his junior year this fall at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Studying agricultural communications and marketing with emphasis in agronomy and animal science, he hopes to build his own wean to finish barns as well as house 4-H projects for youth in his community. Hayes was heavily involved in the 4-H program growing up and attributes much of his knowledge about the swine industry to mentors who helped him grow through the swine program. With a passion for giving back and growing the next generation, Hayes hopes to pass on his knowledge and help young kids learn more about the swine project and become interested in the all the opportunities the pork industry has to offer.

KENNY STROBEL – Pemberton, Waseca CountyKenny Strobel is studying agriculture and food business management with minors in agronomy and animal science at the University of Minnesota where he will be a junior this fall. With his degree, Strobel hopes to work off of his home farm to gain perspective and experience before returning to the family farm. Having grown up in agriculture, Strobel believes knowledge is key to understanding not only the pork industry, but the world today. As farmers engage in conversation with our consumers, Strobel believes the industry needs to provide consumers with the building blocks they need to make them successful consumers of information and food.

MITCHEL WIDMER – New Prague, Le Sueur CountyMitchel Widmer will be finishing his degree in agribusiness service and management at South Central College in May 2018. Having spent most of his childhood in his family’s nursery barn, Widmer grew up helping his father vaccinate and move pigs around the barn when needed. Currently serving as the Le Sueur County Pork Ambassador, Widmer is driven to return to his family’s farm and build a finishing barn which will help grow the business by custom feeding for his father. His dedication and passion to the pork industry runs deep and he looks forward to being in the industry for quite some time.

SIERRA WILLIAMSON – Sherburn, Martin CountySierra Williamson will be starting her collegiate career this fall at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is interested in studying agriculture and food business management with an emphasis in international agriculture. Having grown up in a small town, where community and relationships were vital, Williamson has found those same values in the pork industry. Serving as a Martin County Pork Ambassador has helped Williamson find value in interacting with consumers and working towards improving the image of pork producers. She hopes her work in agribusiness will help benefit humanity by improving the quality of food production, providing jobs to people who need them, and thereby boosting the local and national economies.

BLAKE WOLTERS – Pipestone, Pipestone CountyBlake Wolters will be a sophomore at South Dakota State University studying agriculture and biosystems engineering. Wolters, although having grown up around the Pipestone System, has a unique, outside perspective of the pork production industry. The majority of his knowledge related to the industry stems from the show pigs through his National FFA Organization and 4-H projects. His interest in the production side of the industry grew as he engaged in more conversations with farmers and industry professionals and he has now chosen to dive head first into the industry. Nearing the end of his term as a 2017 Minnesota Pork Ambassador, Wolters continues to invest in his passion for the swine industry and hopes to improve technology and operating systems upon graduation.

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Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference Draws Future Industry Leaders

The Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference, held in Brandon, South Dakota, rounded out a successful third year with 90 attendees from 12 different colleges and universities. Held on June 19-21, the conference hosted talented young leaders, ages 18-22, and offered speakers, industry tours, networking events, and service projects to enhance attendee’s personal and professional development. With the intent of encouraging young leaders to embrace different perspectives, the conference challenged young leaders to explore their

own thoughts about the industry to better understand themselves and their future in agriculture.

The conference took flight with the first keynote speaker, Greg Wooldridge, the only three time commander of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. Wooldridge’s keynote titled, Leading the 0.01% focused specifically on how to rise to the top of one’s industry by embracing competitive collaboration and utilizing briefing and executing techniques to achieve peak performance.

In order to reach peak performance on a team or as an individual, it is important to have an understanding and awareness of emotional intelligence (EQ). Brenda Clark-Hamilton, challenged attendees who grew up in a highly digitized culture to become more emotionally intelligent with different tips and tricks. Strong EQ can lead to increased confidence and competency in all areas of life.

To help our attendees stretch themselves an extra ten percent, a panel titled, “The Faces and Impacts of Animal Activism,” commanded attention the first afternoon. This panel, with the intent of presenting a balanced perspective, consisted of: Randy Spronk – farmer, Diane Sullivan – mother, consumer, affordable-food advocate, and Jeff Johnson – associate professor and Department Head at St. Catherine’s University. As these individuals discussed their experience and opinions on food security, industry practices, undercover

farm videos, and animal activists, the young leaders were able to ask questions to better understand and challenge the panelist’s perspectives. Each panelist brought a different viewpoint, experience, and solution to the challenges agriculture, and specifically pork producers, are facing.

The first night ended with a networking event where thirty agriculture industry professionals were able to network with the attendees in round table sessions. Attendees were able to ask questions about the professional’s industry, career, and professional development tips. This formal opportunity to meet professionals in the industry helped break the ice for the informal networking reception that followed.

The second day started bright and early with industry tours of four different businesses near the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. Split into three different groups, attendees were able to visit Smithfield Processing Plant, Hydrogreen Alternative Agriculture, Raven Manufacturing, and Stensland Dairy Farm. Each of these industries showcased a unique niche in their market and allowed attendees to explore aspects of agriculture they may have not been familiar with before.

The next keynote speaker was Amberley Snyder, a professional barrel racer who was paralyzed in a 2010 car accident. Snyder, having grown up riding and training

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horses, was not going to take no for an answer when it came to getting back in the saddle. After rigorous physical therapy and creative innovation, she was able to design a custom attachment for her saddle that would allow her to be strapped in and continue riding and training her horses. She is now back competing on the professional circuit and has run times faster than before her accident. Her story about overcoming adversity showed the impacts that one’s choices and attitude can have on their outcome to adverse situations.

To round out the second day, attendees participated in service projects with local organizations and causes near the Sioux Falls area. Attendees served a meal through The Banquet, painted a home with Habitat for Humanity, or shopped for and delivered clothing and supplies for the Children’s Home Society of South Dakota. Each of these projects had their own unique challenges and impacts for the attendees. One attendee commented, “I felt like I actually made a difference and it was an extremely humbling experience.”

The last day started out with speaker, Rhett Laubach, who happened to be raised on a pig farm in Oklahoma. His high energy presentation on, “How to Become a Torchbearer for Agriculture” outlined seven simple steps that were applicable, easy to remember, and achievable for the young leaders to take and implement. One student commented, “Rhett’s presentation gave me measurable and tangible steps that I can work towards to improve my ability to advocate for agriculture.”

To round out the conference, Amanda Radke, beef producer and blogger, gave the young leaders some tips and tricks on how to share their agriculture story and enhance their personal brand on social media.

The Young Leaders is Agriculture Conference would not be possible without the generous support and participation from industry sponsors and networking participants.

2017 EXECUTIVE

BOARDPresident:Reuben BodeCourtland

Vice President:JoDee HaalaSleepy Eye

Secretary:Myrna WelterStewartville

Sam BaidooWaseca

Chris CompartNicollet

Kevin EstremNerstand

Meg FrekingJackson

Dan HelvigTruman

Brad HennenGhent

Brian JohnsonWalnut Grove

Wanda PatscheWelcome

Brian SchwartzSleepy Eye

National Pork BoardPat FitzSimmonsDassel

Minnesota Pork Board 151 St. Andrews Court, Suite 810 Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 345-8814 (800) 537-7675 [email protected] www.mnpork.com

StaffDavid Preisler Chief Executive Officer

Jill Resler Chief Operating Officer

Pam Voelkel Events Director

Vicki Kopischke Administrative Assistant

Colleen Carey Support Staff/Receptionist

Lauren Servick Communication and Marketing Director

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE

2017 Minnesota State Fair WHEN: AUG. 24 – SEPT. 4, 2017

Over one million people visit the Minnesota State Fair each year. As fair-goers try new foods and walk through thousands of booths, pig farmers have the opportunity to share the story of pig farming in Minnesota as part of consumer’s state fair experience.

Minnesota Pork is looking for volunteers for the Oink Booth, Promotion Booth and the Mobile Marketing Weekend willing to reach out to fair-goers and engage in conversations about pig farming.

Volunteers will receive free admission into the State Fair and a t-shirt to wear while working at one of the three booths. We hope you will take the opportunity to share your story about agriculture with thousands of curious consumers of all ages at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair.

Farmers and industry partners can register to volunteer online at http://www.mnpork.com/event/minnesota-state-fair/ or contact Colleen Carey at the Minnesota Pork Board office by calling 507-345-8814 or emailing [email protected].

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GrangerAl Moudry

507-772-4475563-547-2281

Cell: 641-330-6837 FaribaultJohn Hubly

507-334-7651Cell: 507-383-4833

MapletonDavid Gartner507-524-4552

Cell: 507-380-1077 WorthingtonMatt Schlichte507-376-5552

Cell: 507-360-6197Alberta

Je� Johnson320-324-2821

Cell: 320-349-0584

AustinShane Tieskoetter

507-481-8277Cell: 563-422-0969

LewisvilleTerry Mohwinkel

Cell: 507-435-4033

Stop by and see us at51420 Hwy 251 Austin, Mn 55912or contact our Territory Manager,

Lee GrantMobile 507-438-9255

SAVE THE DATE:

Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, January 16-17, 2018

Taste of Elegance: Monday, January 15, 2018

Trade Show Location: Minneapolis Convention Center,

Exhibit Hall A, Minneapolis, Minn.

Hotel Reservations can be made by contacting the Downtown

Minneapolis Hilton or Millennium Hotel directly or on the

www.MNPorkCongress.com/hotels/ web page.

Downtown Minneapolis Hilton

Room Rate: $110

Phone: (612) 376-1000

Millennium Hotel

Room Rate: $110

Phone: (612) 332-6000

The cut-off date for the above room rates as part of the

Minnesota Pork Congress block is December 14, 2017.

Lange AgSpecializes inHog Systems &Equipment!

Lange Ag SystemsYOURINVESTMENT IS IN GOODHANDSWITH US!

193 County Road 9 NE | Willmar, MN | 320.231.1470www.LangeAgSystems.com

Are you expanding, renovating or retrofitting your swine operation in the future? For over 36 years, Lange Ag Systems

has been providing our customers with the highest level of service BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the sale to ensure your

barn projects run smoothly from specification anddesign to installation and daily operations.

Express Pressure Washers, Inc.

15880 SE 74th Avenue Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

507-583-2703

Open Monday to Friday 8:00 to 5:00 Saturday 8:30 to 12:00 noon

www.expresspressurewashers.com Join us on Facebook!

New & Used Machines Parts * Accessories * Soap

Repair * On-site Service

We now sell

Sweepers & Scrubbers!

7 MN Pork April 2012

1-800-247-0012Genex FARM SYSTEMSwww.genexfarmsystems.com

Buy cull sows, pigs, boars dailyOn-farm pickup with clean, disinfected trailers

Knute Meneely, ManagerJunction of Hwys. 60 & 71, Windom, MN

Barn: (507) 831-3385 Mobile (507) 920-9205

1.800.479.0243 www.langeagsystems.com

Facility Planning & Layout

New Construction A Full Range of Swine

Equipment Choices

Installation, Remodeling & Maintenance

32 Years in the Swine Industry!

N. Hwy. 59, Marshall, MN E. Hwy 12, Willmar, MN 507.337.2035 320.231.1470N.

1.800.479.0243 www.langeagsystems.com

Crystal Spring EIP

Farmweld Thorp

• Professional monitoring• 24 hour customer service• Environmental sensors:

Temperature, Power, Water, Fire, Unauthorized entry

• Cellular communication• Wireless systems • CCTV• Access control

Repairsthe Old.

Installsthe New.

ProtectsYourAssets.

CONFINEMENT ALARMSFor Over 25 Years

SECURITY & ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

(888) 482-4884 (507) 524-4194Mapleton MN 56065

email: [email protected]

Wiechman Pig Co.A national leader in the marketing of lightweight butchers, sows and boars.

Between Fairmont and Truman, MN on Hwy. 15

866-521-3383 507-776-5235

PORK RIBLETS FOR SALE

Blue Earth County Pork Producers are selling frozen pork riblets

10-pound box of 3-oz. riblets

$35 per boxTO ORDER

Call John FitzSimmons at (507) 524-4511

Blue Earth County Pork Producers are available for event grilling. For more information on grilling services, call Dave Sanders at (507) 420-1614.

Does your county pork association do grilling for hire?

Call the Minnesota Pork Office with your county contact information. When we get calls for grilling services, we will pass it along.

PORK RIBLETS FOR SALE

Blue Earth County Pork Producers are selling frozen pork riblets

10-pound box of 3-oz. riblets

$45 per boxTO ORDER

Call John FitzSimmons at (507) 524-2331

Blue Earth County Pork Producers are available for event grilling. For more information on grilling services, call Dave Sanders at (507) 420-1614.

We make sure you can spend time tending their roots.

Serving Southern Minnesota for the past 30 years

Offices in: Kasson, Wykoff and Pine Island, MN

Steve Johnson and Jeff Stevenson (507) 634.4580

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